Printer device and method of using the same

Abstract

Various embodiments are directed to printer devices and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, a printer device may comprise a printer housing defining an interior portion for housing a plurality of internal components, the printer housing being selectively configurable in an open configuration, wherein the printer housing comprises: a bottom housing portion; and a top housing portion hingedly connected to the bottom housing portion and configured to rotate relative to the bottom housing portion about a hinge axis to configure the printer housing between the closed and open configurations; wherein the plurality of internal components comprises a first component operatively secured to the bottom housing portion; and a second component defining a media support assembly operatively secured to the top housing portion and configured to move relative to the first component as the top housing portion rotates relative to the bottom housing portion.

That which is claimed: 
     
         1 . A printer device comprising:
 a printer housing defining an interior portion configured for housing a plurality of internal printer components therein, the printer housing being selectively configurable in an open configuration to facilitate access to at least a portion of the plurality of internal printer components, wherein the printer housing comprises:
 a bottom housing portion; and 
 a top housing portion hingedly connected to the bottom housing portion via one or more hinge elements, the top housing portion being configured to rotate relative to the bottom housing portion about a hinge axis defined by the one or more hinge elements to selectively configure the printer housing between a closed configuration and the open configuration; 
 wherein the open configuration of the printer housing is defined at least in part by the top housing portion being arranged in a side-by-side arrangement relative to the bottom housing portion, 
 wherein the plurality of internal printer components comprises a first internal printer component operatively secured to the bottom housing portion; and 
 wherein the plurality of internal printer components further comprises a second internal printer component operatively secured to the top housing portion such that the second internal printer component is moved relative to the first internal printer component as the top housing portion rotates relative to the bottom housing portion, the second internal printer component defining a media support assembly configured to receive a media supply to at least partially define an arrangement of the media supply within the printer housing. 
   
     
     
         2 . The printer device of  claim 1 , wherein the closed configuration of the printer housing is defined at least in part by a lower boundary edge of the top housing portion engaging an upper boundary edge of the bottom housing portion such that the top housing portion is positioned on top of the bottom housing portion. 
     
     
         3 . The printer device of  claim 2 , wherein the open configuration of the printer housing is defined at least in part by the lower boundary edge of the top housing portion being disengaged from the upper boundary edge of the bottom housing portion and positioned such that both the lower boundary edge and the upper boundary edge are arranged to face in an at least partially upward vertical direction. 
     
     
         4 . The printer device of  claim 3 , wherein, upon the printer housing being arranged in the closed configuration, the top housing portion and the bottom housing portion define an at least partially vertically stacked configuration relative to one another. 
     
     
         5 . The printer device of  claim 4 , wherein the at least partially vertically stacked configuration defined by the top housing portion and the bottom housing portion is defined at least in part by the second internal printer component operatively secured to the top housing portion being positioned in vertically overlapping position relative to at least a portion of the first internal printer component operatively secured relative to the bottom housing portion. 
     
     
         6 . The printer device of  claim 3 , wherein the closed configuration of the printer housing is further defined by a first rear surface of the top housing portion and a second rear surface of the bottom housing portion being arranged in an at least substantially coplanar configuration to collectively define an at least substantially vertical rear face of the printer housing. 
     
     
         7 . The printer device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of internal printer components further includes a third internal printer component operatively secured to the top housing portion, the third internal printer component defining an internal user interface. 
     
     
         8 . The printer device of  claim 1 , wherein the open configuration of the printer housing is defined at least in part by an engagement of a first rear surface of the top housing portion with a second rear surface of the bottom housing portion. 
     
     
         9 . The printer device of  claim 8 , wherein the engagement of the first rear surface of the top housing portion with the second rear surface of the bottom housing portion is defined by the first rear surface physically contacting the second rear surface at a contact surface area to define an interface between the top housing portion and the bottom housing portion. 
     
     
         10 . The printer device of  claim 1 , wherein the open configuration of the printer housing is defined at least in part by the top housing portion being arranged in a vertically inverted arrangement. 
     
     
         11 . The printer device of  claim 1 , wherein the open configuration of the printer housing is further defined by a top surface of the top housing portion being arranged in an at least substantially coplanar configuration relative to a bottom surface of the bottom housing portion. 
     
     
         12 . The printer device of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more fastener elements disposed about the printer housing and configured to facilitate a retention of the top housing portion in an open position in order to maintain the printer housing in the open configuration. 
     
     
         13 . The printer device of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more fastener elements includes a first fastener element provided at a first rear surface of the top housing portion and a second fastener element provided at a second rear surface of the bottom housing portion, and wherein the first fastener element is configured for engagement with the second fastener element when the top housing portion is provided in the open position. 
     
     
         14 . The printer device of  claim 13 , wherein the first fastener element and the second fastener element embody corresponding magnet components configured to define an attraction force therebetween to facilitate the retention of the top housing portion in the open position. 
     
     
         15 . The printer device of  claim 1 , wherein the top housing portion is configured to rotate about the hinge axis between a closed position and an open position, wherein the closed configuration of the printer housing is defined at least in part by the top housing portion being arranged in the closed position, and wherein the open configuration of the printer housing is defined at least in part by the top housing portion being arranged in the open position. 
     
     
         16 . The printer device of  claim 15 , wherein the top housing portion defines a range of relative rotational motion with respect to the bottom housing portion, the range of relative rotational motion being defined between the closed position and the open position. 
     
     
         17 . The printer device of  claim 16 , wherein the range of relative rotational motion is defined by an angle of rotation of at least substantially 180 degrees. 
     
     
         18 . The printer device of  claim 1 , wherein the first internal printer component operably secured relative to the bottom housing portion of the printer housing defines a chassis. 
     
     
         19 . The printer device of  claim 18 , further comprising a ribbon assembly, wherein at least one portion of the ribbon assembly is attached to the chassis such that the chassis is configured to arrange the at least one portion of the ribbon assembly connected thereto within the printer housing.